Back support apparatus for use with a backpack

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention pertains to back support devices. The invention relates more particularly to a back support apparatus for use with a backpack, wherein the back support apparatus has a pair of parallel air bladders which supportively cushions the backpack against at least the thoracic region of a user's back in vertical alignment with and on opposite sides of the user's spinal column.

It is popularly known that backpacks are a convenient means for carrying various articles on a user's back. While backpack designs may vary depending on use, such as for school, hiking, recreation, and other applications, they all share a common basic construction in which a pair of shoulder straps are used to transfer much of the weight of the backpack against a user's back. The resulting abutting relation of the backpack against the back and spinal column, however, can often cause backache, pain and fatigue, especially if a heavily-laden backpack is carried over a period of time.

One of the areas of the back most affected by this abutting relation is the thoracic region of the back and spinal column. As can be seen in FIG. 7 of the drawings, the spinal column's S-shaped configuration causes the backpack to rest predominantly against the thoracic region when worn. Moreover, the S-shaped curvature of the spinal column can produce uneven load distributions and contact pressures within the thoracic region itself. This is especially true when rigid flat objects such as books and folders are carried in the backpack. The substantially tangential contact produced between the front panel (<b>12</b> in FIG. 1) and the user's back can concentrate load pressures on focal points and areas of the backbone which can pinch, stretch, or compress nerve roots. This can cause serious health problems such as nerve, osseous, musculature, or ligamentous deterioration or damage to the affected areas of the spine.

In an effort to improve comfort and reduce back-related pains and injuries when carrying backpacks, various devices have been developed for use with backpacks to provide support to specific target regions of a user's back. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,461 an inflatable lumbar support for a backpack is shown where a pocket is built into the lumbar region of a backpack waist belt. An inflatable and removable bladder is inserted into the lumber pocket for inflation by a hose connected to a hand pump. This device targets the lumbar region by using the inflatable bladder to fill the lumbar void and thus provide additional support thereto. However, it does not address the problems associated with the backpack-contacting areas of the thoracic region of the back and spinal column, and the need to relieve the loads and abutment pressures exerted thereon, especially when wearing or carrying a heavy-laden backpack.

Additionally, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,420,103 a backpack is shown having an integral frame formed of plastic sheets without metal supports. In particular, a support pad is mounted on the front face of the backpack, with the support pad comprising a foam sheet, a stiffener sheet, and a protective sheet. While the foam sheet is positioned adjacent a user's back to cushion the backpack load, the ability of the support pad to flex completely and fully contour to the S-shape of the spinal column may be limited by the stiffener sheet. Instead, much of the support pad's ability to conform to the S-shape of the spinal column is provided by the pivoting action of the upper and lower sections best shown in FIG. <b>5</b>.

In summary, therefore, there is an unmet need for a back support device particularly designed to address the problems caused and aggravated by the abutting relationship of the backpack to the thoracic region of the back. Such a device should be ergonomically designed to conform and contour to the particular S-shape and static and dynamic characteristics of the human spinal column in order to minimize and/or reduce the occurrence of fatigue, backaches, and other back-related health problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a back support apparatus for use with a backpack such that at least a thoracic region of a user's back is contouredly supported when the user wears the backpack.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an inflatable back support apparatus for use with a backpack which vertically aligns with the user's spinal column on opposite sides thereof to provide cushioned and contoured support to at least the thoracic region of the user's back when the user wears the backpack.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a back support apparatus having multiple inflatable chambers such that one section or area of the back may be supported differently from other area, as per the unique needs of the user.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a simple and cost effective back support apparatus for use with a backpack having a minimal number of parts and which may be easily manufactured using conventional manufacturing methods.

The present invention is for a back support apparatus for use with a backpack. The back support apparatus comprises a pair of elongated, inflatable bladders which are spaced generally parallel to each other. The pair of elongated, inflatable bladders are adapted to be vertically connected to a front panel of the backpack. The vertical placement on the front panel of the backpack is to provide cushioned back support on opposite sides of a user's spinal column when the backpack is carried on a user's back. More particularly, the pair of elongated, inflatable bladders are connected to the front panel of the backpack to target at least the thoracic region of the user's back. Furthermore, the back support apparatus also comprises pump means for inflating the pair of bladders, and valve means for deflating the pair of bladders. The pump and valve means are preferably a hand pump having a flexible bulb configuration with a air release valve connected thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially broken front perspective view of a backpack incorporating the back support apparatus which is positioned inside a front panel pocket of the backpack.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line <b>2</b>—<b>2</b> of FIG. <b>1</b>.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a second preferred embodiment of the back support apparatus having upper and lower support sections which are independently inflatable.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a third preferred embodiment of the back support apparatus having upper, middle, and lower support sections which are independently inflatable.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the back support apparatus having left and right bladders which are independently inflatable.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a backpack with the back support apparatus attached along the outer surface of the backpack.

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the backpack and back support apparatus when worn and carried by a user. FIG. 7 illustrates the placement of the back support apparatus with respect to the user's spinal column, especially the thoracic region.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-7 show the back support apparatus, generally indicated by reference character <b>10</b>. FIG. 1, in particular, is a front perspective view of the back support apparatus <b>10</b> mounted on a backpack, generally indicated by reference character <b>11</b>. The backpack <b>11</b> shown in the drawings has a typical backpack construction with certain features common to all backpacks. As can be seen, the backpack <b>11</b> has a front panel <b>12</b> which faces a user's back when worn, and left and right shoulder straps <b>16</b> and <b>17</b>, respectively, by which the backpack <b>11</b> is carried over a user's shoulders. Optionally, backpacks may include a waist belt <b>18</b> for securing around a user's waist for added security. Backpacks are typically constructed of a durable material, such as nylon, leather, or other material with strong, wear resistant qualities to withstand the rigors of use.

It is notable that while the term “backpack” is commonly understood to define a carrying apparatus of the type described above and typically used by students to carry books and by outdoor recreationalists when hiking or mountain climbing, it is not limited only to such. The term “backpack,” as used herein and in the claims, broadly includes any and all parcels or objects which, when carried by a user, rests against the user's back. Furthermore, the term “front panel” is defined herein and in the claims to mean that side of the backpack or object adjacent to and facing the back of a user when carried or worn.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 6, the back support apparatus <b>10</b> comprises a pair of inflatable bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> which surround and define inflation chambers <b>21</b>, <b>23</b>, respectively. The bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> are generally oriented parallel to each other and are vertically connected to the front panel <b>12</b> of the backpack <b>11</b>. The parallel bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> are preferably spaced a distance of at most 2 inches from each other to accommodate the spinal column therebetween, as will be discussed in detail below. However, other separation distances between the two bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> may be suitably utilized as well. And preferably each bladder <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> has an inflated diameter of 2 inches, which has been found by applicant to be effective in providing a comfortable degree of cushioned support without being overly obtrusive during use.

In one preferred embodiment, the two bladders <b>20</b> and <b>22</b> are preferably connected by at least one bridge conduit which enables air to communicate between the respective inflation chambers. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the top end <b>22</b>′ of the right bladder <b>22</b> is communicably connected to a top end <b>20</b>′ of the left bladder <b>20</b> by means of a top bridge conduit <b>24</b>. Likewise, the bottom end <b>22</b>″ of the right bladder <b>22</b> is also shown communicably connected to the bottom end <b>20</b>″ of the left bladder <b>20</b> by means of a bottom bridge conduit <b>25</b>. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the top and bottom bridge conduits <b>24</b>, <b>25</b> operate together to equalize pressure between the two inflation chambers <b>21</b>, <b>23</b>. However, bridge conduits may alternatively operate independent of each other when independent support sections are provided in a multiple support section arrangement, as will be discussed in detail below. It is notable that the inflated diameters of the bridge conduits are preferably less than the inflated diameters of the elongated bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> such that contact by the bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> to the user's back is ensured. Furthermore, the bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> preferably have a flexible construction suitable for containing compressed air; construction may be from, for example, an elastomeric or polymeric material. Additionally, the bridge conduits are preferably integrally constructed together with the bladders.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 6, a pump <b>30</b> is provided for generally inflating the bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b>. The pump <b>30</b> is preferably a hand-held and hand-operated pump having a flexible bulb-shaped configuration which resiliently biases when squeezed to effect pumping. However, it is also contemplated that other types of pumps may be utilized, such as a battery-operated pump for automatic inflation. Furthermore, the pump <b>30</b> is connected to a suitable location on the pair of bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> by means of an inflation tube <b>32</b> preferably having an elastomeric construction. It is notable that the inflation tube <b>32</b> may be connected to the back support apparatus <b>10</b> at a suitable location. For example, the inflation tube <b>32</b> may be connected to either the left <b>20</b> or right <b>22</b> bladders, or either of the bridge conduits <b>24</b>, <b>25</b>. Preferably, the inflation tube <b>32</b> is sufficiently long to enable a user to conveniently reach and operate the pump <b>30</b>. And as can be best seen in FIGS. 7, the pump <b>30</b> may be conveniently stored in a side pocket <b>19</b> of the backpack <b>11</b> for convenient access. Furthermore, the back support apparatus also comprises an air release valve <b>31</b> for deflating the bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b>. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the air release valve <b>31</b> is preferably connected to the inflation tube <b>32</b> as part of the pump <b>30</b>.

Generally, the pair of elongated bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> are vertically and centrally connected to the front panel <b>12</b> of the backpack <b>11</b> to effect cushioned and contoured support to a user's back. In particular, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pair of elongated, inflatable bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> are preferably retainably received and secured within an interstitial pocket volume <b>14</b> formed between the front panel <b>12</b> and a pocket wall <b>13</b>. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pocket wall <b>13</b> is preferably located at an interior location of the backpack relative to the front panel <b>12</b>, such that it is the front panel <b>12</b> which comes in contact with the user's back. Alternatively, the pocket wall <b>13</b> may be positioned outside relative to the front panel <b>12</b> such that the pocket wall <b>13</b> may come in contact with the user's back. However, the actual positions of the front panel <b>12</b> and the pocket wall <b>13</b> relative to each other are inconsequential, so long as they serve to secure the pair of elongated bladders therein. It is also notable that the pocket wall <b>13</b> is preferably connected to the front wall <b>12</b> by being sewn or stitched together, or by other suitable means. The intersticial volume <b>14</b> thus formed may be completely enclosed whereby the pair of bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> may not be accessed or removed. Alternatively a pocket opening (not shown) may be provided through which said pair of bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> may be removably inserted into the intersticial volume <b>14</b>.

The pair of elongated bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> may alternatively be mounted to the front panel <b>12</b> of the backpack <b>11</b> without the formation of an intersticial pocket volume <b>13</b>. In this regard, another preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 6 utilizing securing straps <b>15</b> such that the elongated, inflatable bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> may be attached to an outer surface of the front panel <b>12</b>. Thus the bladders may directly contact the user's back to effectuate cushioned support.

In this manner, and regardless of the manner of attachment, the pair of elongated, parallel bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> are vertically and centrally positioned on the front panel <b>12</b> of the backpack <b>11</b> to vertically align with a user's spinal column (<b>34</b> in FIG. 7) when the backpack <b>11</b> is worn. Generally, the bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> may be sufficiently spaced from each other to exert a support force against the user's spinal column <b>34</b> from opposite sides of the spinal column <b>34</b>. However, as discussed above, the bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> are preferably spaced apart a distance of at most 2 inches, to enable the targeting of muscles surrounding and immediately anchored to the spinal column <b>34</b>. As can be best seen in FIG. 7, placement of the elongated, inflatable bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> along the front panel is such that the bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> contouredly abut against at least the thoracic region <b>36</b> of the user's spinal column <b>34</b>. It is notable however, that the length of the bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> may be further elongated to extend into the cervical and lumbar regions of the back and spinal column as well to provide even greater back support. In this manner, the pair of bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> operate to provide a fully-contoured and supportive intermediate cushion between the backpack <b>11</b> and at least the thoracic region <b>36</b> of the back and spinal column <b>34</b> where much of the backpack load is exerted. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the air-filled nature of the bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> enable the bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> to conform and contour substantially completely to the curvature of the backbone and back, and thereby promote more even load distributions.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the pair of elongated, inflatable bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> may each comprise more than one inflation chamber. As shown in FIG. 3 in particular, the right bladder <b>22</b> comprises an upper inflation chamber <b>23</b><i>a </i>and a lower inflation chamber <b>23</b><i>b</i>. The two inflation chambers <b>23</b><i>a </i>and <b>23</b><i>b </i>are divided by means of chamber divider <b>27</b> which is preferably a heat-sealed segment of the bladder body. Similarly, the left bladder <b>20</b> has an upper inflation chamber <b>21</b><i>a </i>and a lower inflation chamber <b>21</b><i>b </i>also formed by means of a chamber divider <b>27</b>. Furthermore, a top bridge conduit <b>24</b> communicably connects the upper inflation chamber <b>23</b><i>a </i>of the right bladder <b>22</b> with the upper inflation chamber <b>21</b><i>a </i>of the left bladder <b>20</b>. And as shown in FIG. 3, an upper pump <b>30</b><i>a </i>is connected to the left bladder <b>20</b>. The upper inflation chambers <b>23</b><i>a </i>and <b>21</b><i>a</i>, together with the top bridge conduit <b>24</b> define an upper support section which contacts an upper section of the user's back. This arrangement enables the inflation of the upper support section only. Similarly, a bottom bridge conduit <b>25</b> communicably connects the lower inflation chamber <b>23</b><i>b </i>of the right bladder <b>22</b> with the lower inflation chamber <b>21</b><i>b </i>of the left bladder <b>20</b>. Furthermore, with the attachment of a bulb pump <b>30</b><i>b</i>, a lower support section is created which may be independently inflated and deflated from the upper support section.

The concept of providing separate support sections is further illustrated in FIG. 4 comprising a third and middle support section between the upper and lower support sections and sectioned off by means of chamber dividers <b>27</b>. The middle support section comprises a middle inflation chamber <b>23</b><i>c </i>of the right bladder <b>22</b> and a middle inflation chamber <b>21</b><i>c </i>of the left bladder <b>20</b>. The middle inflation chambers <b>21</b><i>c </i>and <b>23</b><i>c </i>are communicably connected by a middle bridge conduit <b>26</b> which enables air flow between the two middle inflation chambers <b>21</b><i>c </i>and <b>23</b><i>c</i>. With the addition of a bulb pump <b>30</b><i>c</i>, the middle support section may be independently inflated and deflated from the upper support section and lower support section. It is notable that the concept of having multiple support sections as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 may be further extended to multiple support sections greater than three.

Finally, in FIG. 5, a fourth embodiment of the bladder support apparatus is shown without the use of bridge conduits which enable communication of air between the bladders <b>20</b>, <b>22</b>. In FIG. 5, the two elongated bladders, <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> are structurally supported by a non-communicating connector limb <b>28</b>, which merely functions to maintain the gap spacing <b>29</b> therebetween and maintain the parallel orientation of the bladders. In this preferred embodiment, the left bladder <b>20</b> has a bulb pump <b>30</b>″ and the right bladder <b>22</b> has a bulb pump <b>30</b>′ such that the left bladder <b>20</b> may be independently inflated and deflated from the right bladder <b>22</b>. This concept of providing separate and independent inflation capability of the left and right inflation chambers can be further extended where each bladder <b>20</b>, <b>22</b> has multiple inflation chambers (example not shown).

In this manner, by enabling independent control of the inflation level of each inflation chamber, various points along a user's back can be targeted to provide optimal comfort and cushioned support as required by the unique needs of the individual.

The present embodiments of this invention are thus to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive; the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.